The Best Paris Books

See Also

• Top Hotels in Paris
• Best Accommodations for Families in Paris
• Places of accommodation in Paris

Note: Two of my favorite movies set in Paris are Midnight in Paris and Before Sunset. Both offer wonderful depictions of the city. The best overall history of modern Europe I`ve come across is the extraordinary Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt.

Best Books about Life in Paris

1. My Life in France
   by Julia Child
   Julia Child`s memoirs of her years living in France were magical. This remains one of my favorite works documenting the experiences of foreigners adjusting to life in that country.
2. My Life in France
   by Adam Gopnik
   Adam Gopnik spent several years living in Paris along with his spouse and young child as a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. His account offers an insider`s perspective on daily life in France through vivid depictions. Those seeking the definitive travel guide to Paris would be well served by this memorable work.
3. An enjoyable voyage
   by Ernest Hemingway
   Hemingway offers a picturesque perspective of 1920s Paris through his celebrated works.
4. The Flaneur: Meandering Views of Paris
   by Edmund White
   A stroll through the streets of Paris seeking beauty, culture, and learning.
5. Speak Pretty One Day
   by David Sedaris
   A humorous take on life in modern Paris.
6. A treasured memory of Paris
   by Art Buchwald
   Buchwald’s love letter to Paris based on his time there as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune.
7. A Piano Shop Beside the Seine River
   by Thad Carhart
   An enjoyable little book about Paris, pianos, and a few very special people.
8. Walking Tour Guide to Paris
   by Jessie Kanelos Weiner & Sarah Moroz
   Remarkably achieved, this guide provides both travel information and inspiration
9. Discovering Fontainebleau
   by Thad Carhart
10. An American author reminisces about spending childhood weekends in Paris with his family after living in Fontainebleau.
11. Living in and Exploring My newly acquired Home in Paris
    by David Lebovitz
    Through the literary lens of a Parisian pastry chef`s attempts to renovate his apartment, the work offers insights into life and culture in Paris.

Best Books about Paris History and Culture

1. Rimbaud: A Biography
   by Robb Graham
   The focus is on the writer, not the city – but this book is so great it’s a must-read for fans of Paris.
2. Seven Ages of Paris
   by Alistair Horne
   The most engaging, exciting, and informative history of Paris.
3. Best Ways to Spend Time with Children in Southern France

by David McCullough
The story of the artists, writers, doctors, and adventurers that settled in Paris between 1830 and 1900. A thrilling read.

4. The Story Behind Modern Paris: The Development of the Contemporary City
   by Joan DeJean
   A history of Paris development from disorderly alleyways to grand boulevards.
5. A story set in Paris
   by Edward Rutherfurd
   800 pages of easily digestible Paris history.
6. A STORY ABOUT LIFE ON ONE STREET IN PARIS
   by Elaine Sciolino
   The former Paris Bureau Chief of the New York Times’ descriptive examination of the history and inhabitants of one street in Paris.
7. The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed
   by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow
   A clever (but affectionate) and engaging examination of current French ways and peculiarities.
8. The Discovery of France
   by Robb Graham
   A lively and informative read on the origins of France – its language and political geography. Quirky, but still my preferred history of the country.

Best Books about Paris Food

1. The Sweet Life in Paris
   by David Lebovitz
   This story outlines the experiences of an American chef in Paris, including insight into French cuisine and over 50 recipes. See also his other excellent cookbook, My Paris Kitchen.
2. Mastering French culinary art
   by Julia Child
   The widely-celebrated landmark cookbook, deemed by many as the Bible of French cuisine.
3. A culinary journey through France: More than 300 recipes from homes across the nation
   by Dorie Greenspan
   Great for newcomers to French cuisine, with straightforward recipes written in an easygoing style.
4. Paris for Foodies: Your Ultimate Guide to Eating in Paris
   by Frederic Bibard
   The single most useful guide to dining and eateries in Paris.
5. Experiencing the Delights of Paris Between Meals
   by A. J. Liebling
   The writer for the New Yorker recounts their eating adventures in Paris.

Best Paris Fiction

1. A Place of Greater Safety
   by Hilary Mantel
   The best historical novel set in Paris, featuring the major figures of the French Revolution. Truly amazing.
2. The Paris Wife
   by Paula McLain
   1920’s Paris seen through the eyes of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. A work of historical fiction at the highest level.
3. Le Divorce
   by Diane Johnson
   A light-hearted but enjoyable novel about two sisters reacquainting in Paris.
4. The Elegance of the Hedgehog
   by Muriel Barbery
   The highly-acclaimed story of a Paris apartment building and its inhabitants.
5. The Ladies’ Paradise
   by Emile Zola
   This chronicle of the rise of the world’s first department store is based on the story of the Bon Marche and is now a well-loved TV series.
6. Les Miserables
   by Victor Hugo
   Boutique, luxury villa collection with a pool and playground. 1 to 2-bedroom villas will have full kitchens, washing machines, private terraces, and accommodate 4 to 5 guests.
7. Biography of Rimbaud
   by Jojo Moyes
   Sweet and simple romantic short story collection; the two most prominent ones are set in Paris.

Best Childrens Books about Paris

1. Madeline
   by Ludwig Bemelmans
   Brilliant. My favorite kids book ever.
2. A tour of Paris
   by Miroslav Sasek
   A classic children`s book filled with charming illustrations depicting iconic scenery and explanations of Parisian history and culture
3. 13 Artworks Children Should Know
   by Angela Wenzel
   A good introduction to art and artists.
4. A Story About a Young Girl Who Meets Famous Artists
   by James Mayhew
   An excellent series on the master artists. Fun and informative.
5. Paris to the Moon
   by Barbara McClintock
   A young brother and sister’s adventures through the roadways and squares of Paris. Gorgeous pen-and-ink illustrations.
6. The Story of a Secret Life Invention
   by Brian Selznick
7. A wealth of history available in Scotland but for an enjoyable modern attraction kids may enjoy Camera Obscura (not far from the castle). A fun experience for all.
8. Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles
   by Rupert Kingfisher
   “In the capital city of France, along the banks of the river Seine, tucked away from the main thoroughfare down a narrow, winding alleyway, there lies an establishment.” – and from there the wonders unfold.